Haltemprice and Howden MP David Davis, who is also Brexit Secretary, said the rest of the country could learn from Hull's example in exporting to markets beyond the European Union. Only a third of the city's trade is with EU countries.

The Cabinet minister today announced the Government's 'white paper' – a detailed plan – setting out how the Great Repeal Bill will transfer all EU law into UK statute.

The move will avoid immediate wholesale changes after Brexit and allow governments to decide later what needs to stay or go.

Mr Davis, who was promoted to his top Government position last July by Theresa May, said he would be thinking of Hull's example when negotiating to create a "global Britain" after Brexit."Where better to start building that 'global Britain' from than right here in Hull – the only city in the UK that exports more to the USA than it does the European Union?" he asked.

Read more: What is Article 50 and how Brexit will affect you The longstanding Tory MP said Hull's "spectacular City of Culture year" had shown people from the UK and beyond that it was a city of "great self-determination and global outlook"."This success story is one we can build on, to bring even greater prosperity and investment to the area as we raise our eyes to the rest of the world," said the MP, who has represented the region for 30 years.

"We have already heard positive responses from countries like Australia, China, Canada and the United States who are keen to begin discussions with us about future trade deals.

"That will benefit firms like RB and Smith & Nephew right here in the Hull and right across the Northern Powerhouse."

Mr Davis said the Great Repeal Bill would give businesses, workers and consumers "certainty" in the aftermath of leaving the EU. He said: "At the heart of the referendum decision was sovereignty. A strong, independent country needs control of its own laws. That process starts now."

The Great Repeal Bill will also give the Government more powers to use so-called "Henry VIII clauses" – changes to laws which don't require Parliament's approval.

A spokesman for the Department for Exiting the European Union said this was to "ensure laws function properly after EU exit".

Mr Davis says safeguards will be in place to ensure these powers are not abused, with some debate occurring around the changes.

The move was criticised by MPs during a Commons debate on Thursday, who said it went against the promise of increased sovereignty for Parliament.